Abstract: A label sheet assembly is provided with bar code information thereon defining the layout of the labels on the backing sheet. A versatile label dispenser apparatus advances the label sheets and deflects them over a peeling bar in one direction to partially separate the labels from the backing sheet; with the advancing action being determined by the bar code information. The label sheet assemblies are then deflected in the opposite direction, and are routed in a substantially flat condition to the output of the dispenser apparatus. The labels are partially dispensed, substantially vertically from the dispenser, and a substantial number of sensors are provided to sense when all of the labels have been removed; and then the dispenser advances the label sheet assembly to partially dispense the next row of labels. The bar code reader may also sense the leading edge of the label sheet assembly to accurately control the incremental advancing of the label sheet assembly.

Abstract: A manually operated dispenser for medicated or non-medicated orally dissolving strips provided in roll form cuts portions of the roll to a predetermined size in the manner of the strips currently available in single sheets and housed in the vial shown in patent Des. 423,302. The dispenser includes spring-loaded structure rotating the roll and presenting material of a predetermined strip length to a cutting blade, then slicing the strip from the roll.

Abstract: A device for dispensing labels of value comprises a lockable housing for containing a roll of transport medium having a plurality of labels releasably adhered thereto successively along its length. The housing has a slot through which the transport medium can be discharged from the housing, and pinch rollers for engaging the medium outside the housing adjacent to the slot and, upon actuation, for drawing the medium through the slot. Upon command the pinch rollers are actuated to draw only sufficient medium through the slot to expose a single label for removal from the medium. The pinch rollers engage the medium with sufficient frictional force to rupture the medium if an attempt is made to manually pull the transport medium out of the slot when the rollers are not actuated.

Abstract: There is provided a medicament dispenser for dispensing medicament comprising: a body; a holder, shaped to fit within the body and movable relative to the body; and receivable by said holder, a cassette containing a medicament carrier, wherein movement of the holder relative to the body results in movement of the cassette between a first position and a second position such that the cassette is reversibly removable from the holder when the cassette is in the second position.

Abstract: In stick-type connected nails, connecting bands are glued to two portions, that is, upper ends and lower ends of shaft portions of nails which are arranged in parallel in an equidistant manner so as to connect the nails to each other. By providing the connecting bands at two portions, that is, the upper and lower portions, when a plural sheets of connected nails are loaded in a multiple loading type nail magazine in a superposed manner, heads and distal end portions of the neighboring connecting nails are not entangled in a staggered manner. Hence, the smooth nail feeding can be realized.

Abstract: The apparatus and method of the present invention relates use a dry atmosphere in the component storage portion of the surface mount device placement machine. The dry atmosphere provides the benefit of eliminating the baking process and other moisture management issues. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a component placement machine for placing components on printed circuit boards includes a component storage area, a component placement system for taking components from the component storage area and placing the components on the printed circuit boards, an enclosure surrounding the component storage area, and a dry gas delivery system for delivery of a dry gas to the storage area to prevent moisture from being absorbed by the components.

Abstract: A dispenser that is mountable on a vertical or horizontal surface for dispensing adhesive-backed articles from a bulk stock using a single hand. The dispenser includes a housing having a bucket portion for receiving and containing the adhesive-backed articles to be dispensed and a cover connected to the bucket portion. The cover includes a window through which the adhesive-backed articles can be removed from the backing sheet and applied to a person or other animal using a single hand. The dispenser also includes a support member secured within the housing such that at least one of the cover and the support member is biased toward the other for preventing movement of the backing sheet as one of the adhesive-backed articles is removed from the backing sheet through the window.

Abstract: A feeder for the surface mounting device is disclosed. The feeder includes a feeding unit being installed at one side of a main frame, having a plurality of armature coils and a circular permanent magnetic unit facing the plurality of armature coils to generate a rotation/reverse rotation force and carry a tape at a pitch interval and having a position sensing unit and a position detecting disk capable of sensing the position of the circular permanent magnetic unit, a vinyl separation unit carrying the vinyl removed from the tape by the rotation force or re-carrying the vinyl by the reverse rotation force, and a vinyl recovery unit recovering the vinyl by winding the same by the rotation force or discharging the vinyl by the reverse rotation force.

Abstract: A ticket vending machine includes a face panel defining a ticket passageway and a ticket outlet at one end of the ticket passageway, a side plate mounted with an axle for holding a ticket roll, a sheet-transfer cylinder assembly controlled to transfer the continuous ticket sheet of the ticket roll to the ticket outlet, a cutting unit disposed between the sheet-transfer cylinder assembly and the ticket passageway and controlled to reciprocate a cutting plate and to cut off the continuous ticket sheet.

Abstract: A ticket vending machine includes a face panel defining a ticket passageway and a ticket outlet at one end of the ticket passageway, a side plate mounted with an axle for holding a ticket roll, a sheet-transfer cylinder assembly controlled to transfer the continuous ticket sheet of the ticket roll to the ticket outlet, a cutting unit disposed between the sheet-transfer cylinder assembly and the ticket passageway and controlled to reciprocate a cutting plate and to cut off the continuous ticket sheet.

Abstract: The present invention is to make a towel material for forming a wet towel, that is made by a drying, compressing or evacuating manner into compact units having a winding bar shape, or block shape. The units are connected by connecting members into a strap, so that the towel material strap may be stored in the chamber of the dispensing apparatus. After the user emits the using signal, the towel material strap is serially drawn out by a control wheel member, and the connecting member is wound by the winding roller, so that the units may fall into the output member or the article outlet. The units are wet or immersed in the liquid, so that the units may be expanded into a wet towel.

Abstract: The present invention is to make a towel material for forming a wet towel, that is made by a drying, compressing or evacuating manner into compact units having a winding bar shape, or block shape. The units are connected by connecting members into a strap, so that the towel material strap may be stored in the chamber of the manufacturing apparatus. After the user emits the using signal, the towel material strap is serially drawn out by a control wheel member, and the connecting member is wound by the winding roller, so that the units may fall into the output member or the article outlet. The units are wet or immersed in the liquid, so that the units may be expanded into a wet towel.

Abstract: A dispenser for storing/dispensing pharmaceutical dosages that are provided in a stamplike (flat) dosage form. In some embodiments, the present dispenser includes a housing for retaining a plurality of stacked, individual “stamp-like” pharmaceutical dosages. Disposed within the housing beneath the dosages is a bias element, such as a helical spring, that urges the dosages towards a dosage delivery port of the housing. From the dosage delivery port, dosages are dispensed through an aperture. In other embodiments, the instant dispenser includes a cylindrical main body for retaining pharmaceutical dosages having a stamp-like dosage form that are collectively organized in a roll. A dosage delivery port depending from the cylindrical main body receives dosages one at a time therefrom. The present dispenser is configured, in various embodiments, for manual, mechanically assisted, or automated dispensing.

Abstract: The present invention is to make a towel material for forming a wet towel, that is made by a drying, compressing or evacuating manner into compact units having a winding bar shape, or block shape. The units are connected by connecting members into a strap, so that the towel material strap may be stored in the chamber of the manufacturing apparatus. After the user emits the using signal, the towel material strap is serially drawn out by a control wheel member, and the connecting member is wound by the winding roller, so that the units may fall into the output member or the article outlet. The units are wet or immersed in the liquid, so that the units may be expanded into a wet towel.

Abstract: A personal postage stamp dispenser is provided for dispensing individual postage stamps of the pressure sensitive adhesively backed type from their release liner backing strips. The dispenser is particularly suited for use as an advertizing or promotional article and is provided in combination therewith. The dispenser can be economically produced so that it can be given away as a promotional item. In its preferred form, the dispenser is hand-sized and supported on wheels or rollers so that it can rest on the top surface of a desk or tabletop. As so mounted, it will be prominently located so that promotional or decorative material on its cover is conspicuously displayed and receives high exposure. The dispenser operates by moving it by hand across the supporting surface of the desk or tabletop. Linkage connected to and driven by the wheels or supporting rollers feed the backing strip around a peeling edge which peels the stamps individually out of the housing of the dispenser into the free hand of the user.

Abstract: A bandage dispensing device having a handle portion and a head portion. The handle portion comprises a plurality of finger indentions formed on the exterior front portion of the handle to facilitate the gripping of the device. The head portion, attached at the upper portion of the handle, comprises a clip formed on the rear exterior of the head to removably attach the device to a portion of a person's clothing. To incrementally advance a bandage assembly, the interior of the head portion generally comprises a rotatable spool of a bandage assembly strip, a drive belt, and a means for advancing said drive belt incrementally. The strip of bandage assembly comprises spaced apart bandages carried by a nonadhering carrying strip having preferably one throughhole formed between each bandage, wherein pins perpendicularly extending from the drive belt engage within a plurality of the throughholes.

Abstract: A receiving reel 10 comprises a receiving ratchet 11 and a detachable receiving cap 12 that is set in the receiving ratchet 11 and on which a covering tape 1c is wound, and is provided with contact members 13 and 14 that are provided on the area of engagement of the receiving cap 12 and the receiving ratchet 11. The contact members make contact in the direction of rotation and prevent the receiving cap 12 from coming loose. Mutually contacting concave and convex members 15 and 16 are provided on the contact surfaces along the direction of rotation of the contact members 13 and 14 to make it simple to detach the receiving cap 12 and to prevent it from coming loose and falling off.

Abstract: A scrubs dispenser cabinet dispenses garment tops and bottoms to customers in a plurality of sizes. A cabinet housing has a dispense port at a convenient location on the front. A pair of reels within the housing have a first web belt wound onto them and the belt has pockets or compartments along its length. These compartments are adapted to be loaded with scrub tops. The belt passes over idlers along a path so that the compartments on the first belt align with the dispense port as the belt unwinds from one reel and winds onto the other. Another pair of reels has a second web belt, the second belt similarly having compartments, here adapted to be loaded with said scrub bottoms. The second belt also moves on a path that aligns the compartments with said dispense port as the belt unwinds from one of the reels and winds onto the other.

Abstract: An electric-component supplying unit for feeding an electric-component tape which includes a carrier tape and holds a plurality of electric components at a predetermined pitch in a lengthwise direction of the carrier tape, and supplying the electric components, one by one, from the electric-component tape, the supplying unit including a frame including a tape-guide portion which guides the electric-component tape, a feeding device which feeds, in the lengthwise direction, the electric-component tape being guided by the tape-guide portion, and positions the electric components, one by one, at a component-supply position, and the frame comprising a main frame member, and at least one tape-guide member which is detachably attached to the main frame member and provides the tape-guide portion.

Abstract: A semi-automatic linerless label dispenser effectively dispenses labels from a support for a supply of continuous form linerless labels, each label having a pressure sensitive adhesive face and an adhesive-release material face. First and second grooved drive rolls engage the labels and first and second sets of stripper and guiding fingers disposed in at least some of the grooves of the drive rolls guide the labels and prevent them from sticking to the drive rolls. At least the first drive roll and the first set of stripper fingers have adhesive-release material portions (e.g. plasma coatings) which engage the adhesive face of labels from the supply. An automatic cutter mounted on the opposite side of the stripper and guiding fingers from the support includes pivotally movable and stationary blades, and a silicone-impregnated felt wiper.

Abstract: A dispensing mechanism dispenses labels having a pressure sensitive adhesive face and an adhesive release material coated face. A guide serves to guide the labels in web form along plasma-coated surfaces to a printer and then to a cutter mechanism for forming discrete labels and dispensing the labels. An open-cell foam sponge is provided for wiping the rotary cutter using silicone oil wicked into the wiper. A plate projects from the exit opening of the dispenser at an angle to the guide path to maintain the cut label on the dispenser plate. Additionally, a hub assembly is provided wherein the hub has a contact area in excess of 50% of the available contact area along the inside of the core mounting the label supply.

Abstract: Automatic feeding apparatus for feeding a coil of felt tabs connected in head to tail relation to a nailing or stapling gun. The feeder places one tab beneath the gun in the path of the next nail or staple to be driven by the gun such that operating the gun causes a felt tab to be installed simultaneously with the driven nail or staple. The feeding apparatus includes a clip for storing a coil of tabs, a tractor drive for advancing the coil one tab at a time when the gun is operated, and a motor for operating the tractor drive. The clip has a removable cover and an axle about which the coil of tabs rotates as it is paid out. The tractor drive has an endless belt from which fingers project to engage the tabs. Power is the same as that employed by the gun. The feeding apparatus may be integral with the gun or may have structure enabling ready attachment to the gun.

Abstract: The present invention provides for safe and simple replacement or removal of individual feeders from a placement machine without any loss in performance by using a signal means to emit a signal to the CPU of the placement machine when a feeder is removed. Upon receipt of this signal, the CPU controls the pick-up head in such a way so that it does not collide with the feeder being removed. If the pick-up head is located directly above the pick-up position of the feeder to be removed, it can be moved momentarily upwards or sideways thanks to its fast drive before a collision occurs. If the pick-up head is located just on the way to the pick-up position of the feeder, the procedure is momentarily aborted so that a collision can be avoided.

Abstract: A system and method for assembling components onto a circuit board is disclosed. The system includes: a thermal chamber for receiving a plurality of components therein and for heating the plurality of components at a predetermined temperature for a predetermined length of time; an outfeed slot located on a wall of the thermal chamber which allows at least one component from the plurality of components to pass therethrough and emerge externally of the thermal chamber; and a pick and place machine, located adjacent to the thermal chamber, which automatically retrieves the at least one component which has passed through the outfeed slot and automatically places the at least one component onto a designated circuit board.

Abstract: A filter dispenser for the storage and dispensation of individual flat filter sections. The filter dispenser includes a storage compartment with a slot shaped exit for a tube-like band, composed of two parts, and guides in proximity to the slot for the running through of the band parts. The two parts of the band are joined by continuous and releasable edges and cross connections which form pockets which seat filter sections. Upon simultaneous drawing of the parts of the band through the guides, the connections of the band between the guides and the storage compartment are broken and the encapsulated filter sections are released for removal.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a bead-inlaid picture by inputting a desired original image as a motif for a bead-inlaid picture by an image input device, dividing the inputted original image into each of pieces in a size equal with that of a bead, comparing numerical data for the hue and the brightness obtained for each of the pieces and numerical data for the hue and the brightness predetermined for each of the beads and replacing the numerical data for each of the pieces with a color code allocated to a bead having numerical data most approximate with the obtained data and outputting signals corresponding thereto by an image processing device, feeding beads allocated with color codes while dividing them on every color codes by a feeder, arranging the thus fed beads in accordance with the arranged sequence for each of the pieces in the original image by an actuator and, fusing the arranged beads on a glass plate.

Abstract: An apparatus for feeding a carrier tape with successive sprocket holes and indexed pockets for carrying small components, and used in conjunction with various pick and place assembly machines for surface-mounting of the small components onto a printed circuit board or other assembly substrate. The apparatus has an interchangeable electronic feeder adaptable to various surface mount assembly machines and a set of height support adapters. The feeder has both a flip-chip and non flip-chip capabilities. The interchangeable electronic feeder further has a tape guiding assembly, an indexing assembly, an adjustable push-up tool assembly, and a flipping-converting assembly.

Abstract: A product dispenser which comprises a somewhat rectangular housing having front and rear walls, integral with a side wall, a top wall portion and a bottom wall portion and a removable side wall. The top wall is provided with a slot perpendicular with the side wall and the front wall has a slot therein. A product holder is fixed to the side wall in an area below the slot in the top wall. A take-up reel is secured on an axle molded to the fixed side walls below the fixed top portion. The take-up and dispenser reel includes outer flanges which extend below the side walls so that the flanges can roll on a surface below the side walls in order to take-up a backing sheet while simultaneously dispensing the product from the product holder. The removable side wall is removed to load the product in the product holder and to remove the backing sheet from the take-up reel. If there is no backing sheet, the product is fed via the slot in the top wall by hand in order to dispense the product.

Abstract: A display device for a fluid filler gun head includes a carrying body and a frame attached to an upper surface of the carrying body, defining a display portion for removable display placards. The carrying body can be removable from the gun head or can be an integral part of the gun head itself. A housing is defined in the carrying body for holding one or more replaceable rolls of coupons, and a rotating device, is provided for rotating the coupon rolls and dispensing one or more coupons through a slot in the carrying body. A controller can be provided to control operation of the rotating device, based on information received from an external source, to dispense one or more selected coupons. The information can be a type of fluid being dispensed, a particular product displayed on the display placard, or the like. The dispensed coupons preferably are selected to match the information received by the controller.

Abstract: An inexpensive material dispenser for a roll or rolls of linerless labels may be in tube form, or constructed from a folded sheet blank. The tube may be removably closed at one or both ends and have an exterior peripheral surface with at least a portion of adhesive release material. A roll of linerless labels is loose in the tube interior and dispensed through an opening in the peripheral surface. A cardboard or paperboard blank may be folded so that end tabs are received within (having an interference fit with) a roll core, or a core for a plurality of label rolls. The labels of the plurality of rolls are prevented from touching each other.

Abstract: A micro-component feeder assembly supporting small, odd lot or odd shaped components and subassemblies from a sprocket driven tape carrier including seriatim, annular housings having removeable covers and component pallets. The housing walls include fastener portions which support each pallet and cover. One or more components are indexed to pallet apertures, cavities, projections or resilient restraints. Wound tape supply and take-up cartridges mount to a controlled drive housing which includes tape reel drive, tape splice, tape sprocket drive, cover removal, clamp/test and lift and locate assemblies. Full and depleted component tapes cyclically alternate between upper and lower cartridges. A multi-faceted tool head assembly is controlled to a defined pallet presentation and defined component positions at each pallet. A gripper assembly produces a uniform gripping and insertion action of each component.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for dispensing an adhesive-backed article. An adhesive-backed article has a first adhesive disposed on at least a portion of its bottom surface. The bottom surface of the adhesive-backed article is bonded to the top surface of a backing layer by a bond formed by the first adhesive. The top surface of the adhesive-backed article is bonded to the bottom surface of the support layer by a bond formed by a second adhesive disposed on at least a portion of the bottom surface. The bond formed between the top surface of the adhesive backed article and the bottom surface of the support layer is stronger than the bond between the bottom surface of the adhesive-backed article and the top surface of the backing layer such that when the support layer is separated from the backing layer, .the adhesive-backed article remains affixed to the support layer.

Abstract: A coil of an interconnected chain of open bags is provided in which the coil has a center opening having a diameter at least as great as the transverse dimension of the bags. A dispenser is provided on which a coil of bags is mounted. An end of the chain is pulled from the center opening and fed around a tapered mandrel and thence over a feed control mandrel oriented in angular relationship with the tapered mandrel. The web is then fed to a bagging machine for dispensing, loading and closing of the bags. The table on which the coil is mounted is rotatable so that the orientation of a span of bags running from the coil to the tapered mandrel remains substantially constant as the web is fed.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention there is provided a dispensing package containing a plurality of objects. The objects are three-dimensional and have a pair of opposing faces connected by peripheral edges. The package includes a container having a top, a bottom and a body, all of which form an interior chamber containing the objects. The objects are stacked within the container in face to face relation, with the body of the container surrounding the peripheral edges of the objects. The stacked objects thereby define an uppermost object, adjacent to said top of the container, and a lowermost object, adjacent to the bottom of the container. The package further includes an interleaving dispenser. This dispenser is made from a bendable member having alternating horizontal and vertical panels connected to each other. The member is disposed within the package with the horizontal panels parallel to the top and bottom of the container.

Abstract: A dispenser for medication units such as pills, tablets, caplets, and capsules which allows dispensing of a single medication unit upon the simple push of a button or verbal request includes a control system which allows convenient changes, optionally responsive to instructions from a physician or other medical personnel via a modem over telephone lines, in the frequency and dosage of one medication in a regimen, without altering the schedule for other medications. The dispenser includes at least one elongated plastic band possessing at least one facing surface covered by a compressible material, such as elastomer foam, cloth, or brush bristles, having medication units sandwiched between the layers of the band or bands wound in abutting overlying relation on a storage reel. In order to dispense the medication units, rotating mechanisms unwind the band or bands from the storage reel onto separate take-up reel or reels, causing the dispensed medication units to fall and interrupt a light beam detector.

Abstract: A dual pawl, feed mechanism for feeding a strip of fasteners into an installation apparatus. The mechanism includes first and second pawls which are connected together and reciprocate in horizontal synchronism. The dual pawls enable a second strip of fasteners to be loaded into a chute before the first strip of fasteners is exhausted. This permits uninterrupted operation of the fastener installation apparatus irrespective of the transition between strips of fasteners. The dual feed pawl mechanism also prevents a partial feed condition from taking place.

Abstract: Tee-nut support assembly to supply Tee-nuts to the driver device of a Tee-nut setting apparatus, and a package of rolled Tee-nuts connected in a strip for such apparatus.

Abstract: A rolled strip of Tee-nuts connected together by flexible means for use in Tee-nut setting machines, and a rotatable table support for such rolled strip of Tee-nuts.

Abstract: A system and method for mixing a first grade of fuel with a second grade of fuel to create a third, intermediate grade of fuel includes a blend valve and a novel shut-off system for stopping fuel from flowing from the blend valve to a dispensing meter when either the first grade of fuel of the second grade of fuel is not being supplied to the blend valve.

Abstract: A label dispenser is disclosed for peeling individual adhesive-backed labels from a continuous strip of release paper upon which the labels are stored. The dispenser comprises a frame having a guide edge extending between the opposite sides of the frame and positioned adjacent to a top of the label dispensing end of the frame. When a strip of release paper containing an adhesive-backed label thereon passes over the guide edge it makes an abrupt turn as it passes over the guide edge, and the label is peeled from the release paper. A drive mechanism is positioned below the guide edge and spaced inwardly within the frame from the guide edge. The drive mechanism pulls the strip of release paper over the guide edge.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically taping electronic components arranged such that when a timing belt retaining lead terminals of electronic components in its retainer grooves is engaged with a toothed pulley of a first rotary drum, the lead terminals are lifted to be transferred from the timing belt to the first rotary drum. The electronic components are transferred from the first drum to a third rotary drum via a second rotary drum being retained by their retainer teeth. A base tape is fed to the periphery of the third rotary drum and an adhesive tape is applied on the base tape, thereby fixing the lead terminals.

Abstract: A push button coupon dispenser comprises a housing having a roll of coupons, a coupon ejection slit, a battery, a motor and a push button electrically connected to the battery and the motor for activating the motor. The housing further includes a coupon advancing means having a guide means to guide the coupon to the ejection slit, and a timer to provide a time delay between each coupon ejection. A coupon sensor detects the presence or absence coupons at the exit slit. The coupon dispenser is mounted on a smooth surface at the point of purchase by means of a suction-cup mount plate.

Abstract: In a vending machine for discharging one of articles by manual operation of lever after depositing a coin, a rotary plate is rotated by the manual operation of the manual lever and a driven plate is rotated through the deposited coin which is received in a pocket formed by cooperation of the rotary plate and the driven plate. The driven plate drives an article discharging mechanism. An article discharging mechanism has a package separating mechanism for separating one package from a package belt having scored lines between adjacent packages to discharge it as the article. The package separating mechanism comprises a package guide roll for guiding one package thereon during rotation and elastic fingers rotating together with the package guide roll. The elastic fingers pinch the package onto the package guide roll with bending. The fingers rapidly return to the original shape from the bent shape by their elasticity to give a tension force to the package.

Abstract: A device automatically dispenses labels from a continuous strip. It constitutes a compact module comprising at least three parts hinged together including an upper flap and a main guide part and a lower guide part which cooperate with each other to form a guide path whose strip entry axis is offset angularly (twistwise) from the label exit axis. The three parts carry a strip guide path, a cutting device, an intermittent strip feed, strip and label sensor, a drive for the feed and the cutting device, and a device for ejecting each cut label.

Abstract: A labeling machine is provided for the automatic transfer of labels with a pressure sensitive adhesive from a release backing to the surface of a package containing a product or to the surface of a product (hereinafter referred to as the "product". The labeling machine comprises a product transport system, a label transport system and a label transfer system. The product transport system moves the product into a labeling position. The label transport system moves labels which are on a backing from a supply reel, through a label stripper to separate the labels from the backing, and the backing continues to a takeup reel. The label transfer system picks up the labels stripped by the label stripper on a vacuum platen and applies the labels to the products being so identified.

Abstract: A system for dispensing medication includes a dispensing device unto which a prepackaged cassette can be releasably installed. The cassette contains medication that has been prepackaged in individual pockets along a strip. The strip is wound between a supply reel and a take up reel within the cassette. A control mechanism associated with the dispensing device advances the strip within the cassette by winding the strip onto the take up reel, while unwinding the strip from the supply reel, and while moving a dispensing mechanism also associated with the device into contact with the strip for opening a medication pocket to expel the medication from the strip and out of the cassette.

Abstract: A tape feed and dispensing mechanism for feeding a tape containing a carrier strip carrying articles to be dispensed and a protective covering for covering the carrier strip and retaining the articles upon it. A stripping device strips the covering strip from the carrier strip to access the carried parts. A disposal mechanism is provided that returns the stripped covering strip to a disposal area beneath the tape being fed and this includes an arrangement for turning the tape through 90.degree. as it passes by the strip of tape being fed. In one embodiment, the carrier strip is also returned to the same disposal area so that both strips can be disposed of at the same time.

Abstract: A postage stamp dispenser receives a cassette of postage tape which has marks along its length representing postage value. When a stamp is to be dispensed, the dispenser feeds a length of tape corresponding to the required postage value and prints information such as the postage value and date on the tape. The dispenser may mark the tape with a fuorescent stripe to assist cancellation equipment to locate the stamp. The tape is provided in lengths of known value and the dispenser may provide an indication of thhe value of tape remaining unused in the cassette.

Abstract: A pill strip dispenser (4) is used with a pill strip (6) having a series of pill-containing packets (8) so the pills (10) can be dispensed individually. The dispenser includes a housing (14) defining a supply region (18) within which the pill strip is housed. The pill strip extends from the supply region along a dispensing path within the housing to a discharge position (12) next to but external of the housing. The packets are dispensed one at a time by a manually actuated drive assembly (46) including a user operated plunger (80). The pill strip is captured between a pair of toothed drive wheels (48), positioned at each lateral edge (36, 38) of the pill strip, and overlying resilient rollers (50). The tooth drive wheels not only drive the pill strip, but also perforate the pill strip packets so that the contents of the dispensed packet can be easily accessed.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a cover-tape peeling apparatus for a tape feeder for peeling a cover tape released from a tape having a number of chip-like electronic parts sealed therein in a substantially equally spaced relation to wind and receive it into a reel. The apparatus comprises a first arm rotatably supported on a first shaft stood upright on a base of the tape feeder and having a ratchet meshed with a gear tooth formed in the outer peripheral portion of the peeling reel, a second arm having a cam portion in engagement with a cam portion provided on the first arm and rotatably supported on a second shaft, an arm push-down member in contact with the second arm to push down and rotate the second arm, and an urging body extended between both the arms and for rotating the first arm in response to the rotation of the second arm rotated by the arm push-down member so that the peeling reel is rotated through the ratchet.